Making your own vanilla extract has several advantages:

Superior Flavor: Homemade vanilla extract often tastes richer and more aromatic than store-bought varieties.
Cost-Effective: The cost of quality vanilla extract can be high. By making it at home, you can save money while enjoying a superior product.
Customization: You can control the strength and flavor profile of your extract by adjusting the amount of vanilla beans used.
Great Gifts: Homemade vanilla extract makes for thoughtful and unique gifts.

To make vanilla extract in the Instant Pot, you’ll need just two main ingredients:

Vanilla Beans: Choose high-quality vanilla beans for the best flavor. Grade A Madagascar vanilla beans are popular for their rich taste, while Grade B beans are often used for extracts due to their concentrated flavor.
Vodka: Use a mid-range vodka (at least 80 proof) to ensure effective extraction. Brands like Smirnoff or Prairie Organic Vodka are good options.

Preparation

Gather Your Supplies: You will need:

5-10 vanilla beans (depending on how strong you want your extract)
1.75 liters of vodka
6 pint-sized mason jars
Instant Pot
Wire rack for the Instant Pot

Sterilize Jars: Clean and sterilize your mason jars to ensure they are free from contaminants.

Making the Extract

Prepare the Vanilla Beans:

Split each vanilla bean lengthwise with a sharp knife to expose the seeds.
For each jar, use about 5 halves of vanilla beans.

Fill the Jars:

Divide the split vanilla beans evenly among the jars.
Fill each jar with vodka, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Seal the jars tightly, but not too tight to allow some pressure to escape.

Set Up the Instant Pot:

Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot.
Place the wire rack inside and arrange the jars on top.

Cooking:

Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to Manual High Pressure for 30 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. This is crucial for maximizing flavor extraction.

Cool and Store:

Carefully remove the jars (they will be hot!) and tighten the lids if needed.
Let the jars cool before transferring the extract to decorative bottles for gifting or storage. You can also add a few vanilla beans to the final bottle for presentation.

Tips for Best Results

Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your vanilla extract will depend significantly on the quality of the vanilla beans and vodka you choose.
Storage: Store your homemade vanilla extract in a cool, dark place. It can last for several years, improving in flavor as it ages.
Reuse the Beans: You can keep the vanilla beans in the extract to continue infusing flavor. Some people even top off their bottles with more vodka over time.

When making vanilla extract, keep the following safety tips in mind:

Avoid Open Flames: Alcohol is flammable, so do not make vanilla extract near open flames.
Use Proper Jars: Ensure you use glass jars that are safe for pressure cooking. Mason jars are ideal.
Natural Pressure Release: Always allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally to prevent alcohol vapor from escaping.

Making vanilla extract in the Instant Pot is a quick and rewarding process that yields a flavorful product far superior to many store-bought options. With just a couple of ingredients and a little time, you can create a delicious extract that enhances your baking and cooking. Plus, it makes for a thoughtful gift! So gather your ingredients, follow this guide, and enjoy the rich aroma of homemade vanilla extract in your kitchen.